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In the world of combat sports, victories can feel like a distant dream, especially when the pressure mounts and the spotlight burns bright. Kamaru Usman, once the king of the octagon, found himself grappling not just with opponents, but with the weight of expectations.
A unanimous decision win against Joaquin Buckley at UFC Fight Night in Atlanta might seem like just another notch on the belt, but for Usman, it was a much-needed breath of fresh air after a dry spell that left fans and critics alike wondering if the former champion had lost his spark.
The fight unfolds
Usman’s performance was like watching a master painter at work—precise, calculated, and utterly dominant. The first two rounds were a clinic in mixed martial arts, with Usman (21-4 MMA) executing takedowns that left Buckley (21-7 MMA) floundering like a fish out of water.
No significant strikes? Zero. That’s right, Usman managed to outstrike Buckley 16-0 in those critical moments, proving that sometimes, the best offense is a good defense—especially when you can wrestle your opponent into oblivion.
Round by round breakdown
As the fight progressed, Buckley attempted to find his rhythm. Round 3 saw him finally land some punches, but Usman quickly shut that down with yet another takedown. It was like watching a cat toy with a mouse; Usman was in control, and Buckley was just trying to survive.
The former champion briefly secured a mount position, which is like hitting the jackpot in the world of grappling. Round 4 was Buckley’s best chance to turn things around, but even with his best combinations, he couldn’t land that knockout punch that would shift the momentum.
Usman, not one to take chances, took Buckley down once more, solidifying his grip on the fight.
Aftermath and reflections
By the time Round 5 rolled around, it was clear that Buckley needed a miracle, but miracles are hard to come by when you’re facing a beast like Usman. With a six-fight unbeaten streak snapped, Buckley graciously accepted his fate, vowing to return stronger. “We’re just getting started, baby,” he said, but one has to wonder—how many more chances can he take before the well runs dry?
The co-main event shake-up
Meanwhile, in the co-main event, former two-time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas faced off against Miranda Maverick. Namajunas has been on a rollercoaster ride of challenges and triumphs, but on this night, she emerged victorious, earning a unanimous decision despite nearly being submitted in Round 2. It’s a harsh reality in the fight game: even the best can find themselves in dire straits. But Namajunas has that fire; she’s not looking to settle for mediocrity, eyeing the flyweight title as her next target. Talk about ambition!
More fight night highlights
Edmen Shahbazyan showed he hasn’t lost his touch, walking away with a unanimous decision over Andre Petroski after a near finish in the third round. Meanwhile, Cody Garbrandt, a former bantamweight champion, continued to struggle, falling to Raoni Barcelos in a fight that felt like watching a once-great athlete trying to find his footing in a world that has moved on. The sport can be brutal; one day you’re at the top, and the next, you’re just another name on the list of has-beens.
And let’s not forget about Mansur Abdul-Malik, who snatched a technical decision over Cody Brundage after an accidental head clash derailed his momentum. It’s a hard knock life in the octagon, and the fighters know all too well that one misstep can change everything. The night kicked off with Alonzo Menifield handing Oumar Sy his first MMA loss, marking another chapter in the unpredictable saga of UFC.
What’s next for the UFC?
The UFC continues to push forward, with their next Fight Night set to take place in Azerbaijan. Headlined by a light heavyweight bout between former champion Jamahal Hill and ex-title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr., the stakes are high, and the drama is palpable. Fans can only sit back and enjoy the ride as the UFC landscape shifts once more.
